Immune Support Packets

An all-encompassing, comprehensive arsenal of immune-supportive herbs and nutrients to help build a strong defense during the cold and flu season.

One Immune Support Packet contains:
Immunitone Plus - 3 capsules
Vitamin D Complex - 1 capsule
Stellar C 1 capsule
Zinc Supreme - 1 capsule
Tegricel Colostrum 1 capsule
N-Acetyl Cysteine 1 capsule

Immune Support Packets may:

• Provide antibacterial and antiviral support
• Support white blood cell production (the bodys army)
• Support lymphocyte production, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, B cells
• Support cytokine synthesis, such as interleukin-10
• Raise glutathione levels (antioxidant involved in regulating the bodys immune response)
• Prevent pulmonary infections including respiratory tract infection
• Reduce age-related decline in the immune system
• Protect cell membranes from potential pathogens
• Support healthy function of the thymus gland

Serving Size: 1 packet
Servings Per Container: 30

Active Ingredients:

• Immunitone Plus - 3 capsules (Small brownish capsules)
  
• Vitamin D Complex - 1 capsule (The smallest capsule in the packet, which is yellow)
  
• Stellar C - 1 capsule (Greenish capsule)
  
• Zinc Supreme - 1 capsule (Yellow-orange capsule)
  
• Tegricel® Colostrum - 1 capsule (Off-white capsule)
  
• N-Acetyl Cysteine - 1 capsule (White capsule)~

These packets provide a comprehensive arsenal of immune-supportive nutrients, enabling you to build a strong defense during cold and flu season. Immunitone Plus provides antiviral and antibacterial support as well as the ability to maintain natural killer (NK) cell activity and the synthesis of cytokines (immunomodulating agents such as interleukins). This formula contains an array of botanicals such as green tea standardized to a very high level of EGCG as well as standardized echinacea, elderberry, astragalus, andrographis, and goldenseal. Standardized herbs contain optimal and consistent amounts of the most active compounds. Other highlights include several mushrooms (cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, and reishi), all containing diverse biological activity with various degrees of immunomodulatory and therapeutic health benefits. Monolaurin, a form of the fatty acid lauric acid, is included for its antiviral properties and T cell proliferative effects. Rounding out this formula are the polysaccharides larch tree (arabinogalactans) and beta 1,3 glucan, included for their abilities to stimulate immune cells.

Vitamin D Complex features 2000 IUs of vitamin D, along with efficacious amounts of the other fat-soluble vitamins, A, E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and K (K1 and K2). Supplementing therapeutic amounts of vitamin D creates a greater need for its other fat-soluble counterparts.

Vitamin D has many health benefits including protecting the body from respiratory infections. Studies show that a deficiency in D increases the risk of such infections, including colds and flu. Vitamin D is involved in modulating two important aspects of the immune response: the function of the T-cell lymphocyte and the production of interleukin-10. By doing so, this helps to better arm and activate the bodys immune system in order to destroy unhealthy bacteria and viruses and fight off infections. Researcher Professor Carsten Geisler of Copenhagen University was quoted saying, "When a T-cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signalling device or 'antenna' known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means that the T-cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T-cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won't even begin to mobilize."

The other fat-soluble vitamins in Vitamin D Complex are equally as important here. Vitamins A and E are both involved in the development of some of the most important lymphocytes (NK cells, T cells, B cells), white blood cells responsible for the bodys immune response. Supplementing with vitamin E also helps to reverse an age-related decline in T cell function, an important factor for the elderly whose immune system often weakens with age.

Stellar C is rich in vitamin C (600 mg from a mixture of ascorbic acid and acerola fruit) as well as the plant bioflavonoids hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. Vitamin C shines in its immune-enhancing abilities by helping to reduce the risk, severity, and duration of respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu. Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to improve antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities as well as lymphocyte proliferation. The plant bioflavonoids included in Stellar C support the immune system by protecting cell membranes against germs, toxins, and environmental pollutants, providing a barrier in order to block these toxins from finding their way into the cells. Bioflavonoids, natures antioxidants, work synergistically with vitamin C, as they are found together in fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.

Zinc Supreme is an important addition to these packets, as zinc is involved in virtually every aspect of immunity. This mineral has antiviral properties, and is even effective against several viruses that cause the common cold. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, as well as support the actions of neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. Zinc helps to increase the number of Tcells, especially in the elderly, as this population is often deficient in this mineral. Zinc is also required for producing thymulin, the major thymus hormone. A reduction of this thymus hormone leads to impaired immune function.

Colostrum, the first milk produced by mothers for their newborns, provides beneficial nourishment for the immune system. It offers a powerful and effective combination of immune and growth factors including immunoglobulins (involved in leukocyte- dependent destruction of microbes), proline rich polypeptide (PRP) that supports the thymus gland, lactoferrin (antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

Tegricel Colostrum comes from cattle raised in the United States of America and is produced from healthy, nutritionally-supplemented cows on USDA and FDA certified dairy farms. These cattle are carefully fed a scientifically-designed diet that contains the proper balance of legumes and grasses along with minerals and trace minerals to ensure consistently high potency colostrum. N-Acetyl Cysteines inclusion is significant, as this amino acid helps to increase glutathione levels, the bodys most powerful antioxidant and the one most important to overall health. NAC and glutathione have been shown to minimize the onset of oxidative stress. Glutathione is needed in every cell throughout the body and is involved in regulating the bodys immune response. Research shows that lymphocytes from healthy humans have optimal glutathione levels, while low levels in the body have been associated with common illnesses and a weakened immune system. Building a strong defense against viruses such as the flu is dependent on sufficient levels of this vital antioxidant.

References:

1. The function of human NK cells is enhanced by beta-glucan, a ligand of CR3 (CD11b/CD18). Di Renzo L, Yefenof E, Klein E. Eur J Immunol. 1991 1. Jul;21(7):1755-8.
2. Activation of macrophages and the intestinal immune system by an orally administered decoction from cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Koh JH, Yu KW, Suh 2. HJ, Choi YM, Ahn TS. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002 Feb;66(2):407-11.
3. Larch arabinogalactan: clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide. Kelly GS. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Apr;4(2):96-103.
4. Increased production of antigen-specific immunoglobulins G and M following in vivo treatment with the medicinal plants Echinacea angustifolia and Hydrastis canaden.sis. Rehman J, Dillow JM, Carter SM, Chou J, Le B, Maisel AS. Immunol Lett.1999 Jun 1;68(2-3):391-5.
5. Chinese herbs: a clinical review of Astragalus, Ligusticum, and Schizandrae. Sinclair S. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct;3(5):338-44.5.
6. Effects of D-Fraction, a polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa on tumor growth involve activation of NK cells. Kodama N, Komuta K,, Sakai N, Nanba H. Biol Pharm 6. Bull. 2002 Dec;25(12):1647-50.
7. Vitamin D, respiratory infections, and asthma. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA Jr. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2009 Jan;9(1):81-7.7.
8. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Stephensen CB. Annu Rev Nutr. 2001;21:167-92.8.
9. Age-associated changes in immune and inflammatory responses: impact of vitamin E intervention. Wu D,, Meydani SN, J Leukoc Biol..2008 Oct;84(4):900-14. Epub 9. 2008 Jul 2.
10. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH, Ann Nutr Metab., 2006; 50(2): 85-94.
11. Human milk and intestinal host defense in newborns: an update. Xanthou, M., Bines, J. and Walker, W. A. Adv. Paediatr. 1995; 42, 171208.
12. Development of the newborn GI tract and its relation to colostrum}milk intake: a review. Xu, R. J. Reprod Fertil. 1996; Dev. 8, 3548.
13. The Antioxidant Role of Glutathione and N-Acetyl-Cysteine Supplements and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress. Kerksick C, Willoughby D. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 13. 2005; 2(2): 3844.
14. Glutathione homeostasis in response to exercise training and nutritional supplements. Sen CK. Mol Cell Biochem. 1999 Jun;196(1-2):31-42.
15. Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. DeFlora S, Grassi C, Carati L. 15. Eur Respir J. 1997 Jul;10(7):1535-41.